SHENZHEN, China - The treatment of Huawei by the United States is a deterrent for companies and individuals wanting to invest in the country, accordi toHuaweifounder Ren Zhengfei.

In an interview on CNN on Wednesday, Zhengfei said the U.S. government's campaign to isolate Chinese tech companies was damaging to the U.S.'s international reputation.

"If this US administration always treats other countries, companies or individuals in a ferocious way, then no one would dare invest in the United States," he said.

Last week Huawei launched legal proceedings against the U.S. government over actions it has taken to isolate the giant tech company over claims it collates intelligence for Chinese agencies and is therefore a riskto U.S. national security.

Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump authorised the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), preventing federal agencies and contractors from buying Huawei telecommunications and video surveillance equipment.

"His tactics are all wrong," Zhengfei told CNN.

"If he intimidates a country today, threatens a company tomorrow or wantonly arrests someone, then no one would dare invest in the United States."

"Trump should be more open-minded and willing to accept all types of investment. If he becomes more tolerant of the world, then all the U.S.-bound investments would ensure another century of American prosperity," Zhengfai said.